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Bridge nixes suicide barrier

Blue Water Bridge Canada officials has rejected a call to erect barriers to prevent suicides on the international border crossing.

Bridge CEO Chuck Chrapko said the barriers would be a hazard to workers.

"If there was a fence there with some sort of barbed wire,it would be extremely difficult and dangerous for workers to crawl over," Chrapko said. "It adversely affects the maintenance program."

The idea was pitched by Sarnia Coun. Dave Boushy, who said erecting barbed wire and netting could save lives.

The idea was first floated by Boushy last December, when he was unable to get city council to back the request.

Chrapko said he was keen to explore the proposal, but learned it would cost millions to install the barriers. The logistical challenges proved too great to overcome, he said.

"How do you cost out someone's life?" he said. " ... Unfortunately, the chances of our maintenance workers being injured from it are probably more likely than someone taking their own life over the bridge. That becomes the issue."

Since the first span opened in 1938 at least 18 people have jumped from the bridge to the St. Clair River or nearby rocks.

Boushy said he's disappointed bridge operators won't pursue the idea. He said he brought the issue forward after concerned citizens approached him.

"I think if there was a death tomorrow, someone jumping off the bridge, the community would look into the situation," he said. "The idea would hit them."

Boushy said research has suggested that not only would the barriers act as a physical obstruction, but also as a mental barrier for many suicidal persons.

"The research shows many people have second thoughts," he said. "If you can prevent them from jumping they won't necessarily go and do something else."